Jan is seen in photo performing at Eve Reddish School of Dance in 1982 at Bairnsdale Secondary College stage. (Front Row – 3rd in from your right)

Parent Testimonials:

*Thank you for all of your hard work and commitment to the children Jan, I appreciate what you do more than you can know. My child cried yesterday afternoon in the car when I told her there are no dance classes on Monday! You put together yet again another fantastic and entertaining show.

*Congratulations Jan and the team on Saturday’s performance.  It was brilliant, the precision, timing and presentation certainly did justice to your hard work and teaching method.  If you recall it was my wish for my child to learn new skills and have a beautiful time.  It exceeded all my dreams and when the birds flew out onto the stage to that very familiar music I felt a tear roll down my face.

Student Teacher Testimonials

*To share my journey of being a student at Jan Pianta’s School of Dance, I am going to give you an insight into my experience. I have been at JPSD for 10 years and a student teacher for 3 years.To be able to learn from Principal Jan Pianta and co teacher Shaun Harvey, I consider myself extremely lucky. Going from a self-conscious and shy nine-year-old, the lessons and skills that both Jan, Shaun and former teacher Tammy taught, has enabled me to become confident and an independent dancer.The range of styles offered at JPSD can strengthen dance as well as bring everyone together.  JPSD has provided me with personal growth and have helped to shape the person I am today.

*The environment is nurturing and encouraging, with everyone wanting to see each dancer reach their full potential.  To be able to come to dance every week and see friends, dancing with them makes my time at JPSD the best time of the week.

*To fulfil dreams, to learn or to further your dance skills, you will make new friends and lasting memories – this is the dance school for you!’

Jan Pianta School of Dance is proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone. The Rijs family have faithfully attended JPSD for over 4 generations, so 4 generational family members have come together for a memorable photo, as this significant achievement may never occur again.

At the heart of this legacy is Marlene Rijs, our dedicated costume and design manager for well over a decade. Marlene’s exceptional creativity has produced countless beautiful stage costumes, even earning her an award at Follow Your Dreams competition earlier this year. Her late husband, Richard, was also a passionate supporter, generously donating time, materials, and costumes to help local dancers shine.

This special photo captures Marlene with her granddaughters Taylor Sproule and Indi Rijs, and her great-granddaughter Tully Sproule. Taylor is a former dancer and hip-hop teacher. 12 year old Indi began dancing with us at just 3 years old and now trains three days a week. Little Tully enrolled this year, continuing the family’s remarkable connection to JPSD.

Over the years, many Rijs family members have danced at our school, creating a legacy of talent and commitment that is truly inspiring. Adding to this story is a fascinating historical link: the Rijs family were the original owners of Patties Bakery, built on land once owned by Jan’s great-grandfather, Mathew Hueton, a pioneer settler of Bairnsdale in the 1890s. Both Marlene and Jan believe that their connection was indeed meant to be.

We thank the Rijs family for their incredible support and contribution to our school’s history.